LEINSTER
Dublin | Echoes Literary Festival
Cecelia Ahern, Edel Coffey and Liz Nugent are just some of the acclaimed authors taking part in this year’s Echoes festival. An annual tradition since 2017, Echoes celebrates the life and work of the late Maeve Binchy, who continues to influence many of the nation’s most successful writers even today. Held in Maeve’s picturesque seaside hometown of Dalkey, the festival features adaptations of her work for the stage, the screen and much more! October 4th-6th; echoes.ie
Kilkenny | Savour Festival
This popular festival turns sweet 16 this year, and is doing so in spectacular fashion. With top Irish chefs including Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden and Rachel Allen lined up for exciting cookery demos, as well as a mega 100-stall market and a host of unique dining experiences, this one is a must-see for any foodie worth their salt. October 25th-28th; savourkilkenny.com
Carlow | Autumn Walking Festival
Whether you’re visiting the dolmen county for the first time, or you’re a local looking for a fun weekend activity (and to pick up some great trivia), you can’t go wrong with this walking festival. Up to 20 different themed walks across this jampacked weekend, with the opportunity to experience some stunning landscapes including The Blackstairs Mountains, Mount Leinster, Altamont Gardens, the Kilbrannish Forest Trails, Barrow Way and more. All walks are ranked in order of their difficulty and duration and are led by knowledgeable guides from Tullow Mountaineering Club and Blackstairs Ramblers. October 4th-6th; carlowtourism.com
Wexford | Wexford Opera Festival
If it’s opera you’re into, then this Wexford music festival is worth making a song and dance about. Now in its 73rd year, this well-established festival has picked up a number of awards internationally – and it’s not hard to see why. With an epic programme unfolding across 16 days within the prestigious National Opera House and at selected venues around the town, the lineup is full of unforgettable performances featuring world-class opera, recitals, pop-up events, concerts and more. October 18th-November 2nd; wexfordopera.com
Wicklow | Yarn storytelling Festival
Now in its 15th year, this community based festival strives to bring the art form of storytelling to as many people of all ages as possible. With the award-winning Cartoon Saloon involved, as well as the highly popular author Liz Weir, and even ReWild Wicklow, who will be hosting talks delving into all the stories that Wicklow’s native woodlands contain, the exciting programme promises something for everyone. November 8th-21st; mermaidartscentre.ie
Meath | Púca Festival
While all kinds of mischievous spirits make an appearance at this festival to join in the Halloween festivities, they’re not even the most remarkable of the guests. With Gavin James, Bell X1 and a host of other stars all set to take the stage and help ring in Samhain, you’ll be guaranteed a night of thrills — regardless of your belief in ghosts.October 31st-November 3rd; pucafestival.com
Louth | Leanbh Children’s Festival
If you’re desperate to find something that’ll keep the kids entertained during the October school holidays, then look no further than the Leanbh arts festival, designed for children, young people and families. Learn how to make your own circus props from natural materials whilst you watch jugglers, acrobats and hula hoop artists using science to create their amazing acts. You also won’t want to miss the Spooks Parade along the streets of Drogheda, featuring around 180 children from local schools. October 18th – November 3rd; visitlouth.ie
Westmeath | Halloween Fun on the Farm
If you’re looking to get into the spooky spirit whilst you explore the Lake County this October, then head to Murtagh’s Organic Farm. Whether you and the little ones choose to explore the pumpkin patch, or to get lost in Jack’s Mini Maze, or to avoid the ghouls altogether and instead meet the friendly farm animals and visit the kids barn, you’re guaranteed a fun time for all. Be sure to put on your most scary costume, too, as there will be prizes for best fancy dress. October 19th–31st; murtaghsorganicfarm.com
Laois | Leaves Festival
Donal Ryan, Aingeala Flannery and Anne Enright are among the renowned writers that have taken part in this literary festival over the years. Now in its 17th edition, Leaves continues to bring the best of Irish writing and music to Co Laois each November. Whether you’re looking to enjoy contemporary writers, the art of conversation, or musicians, film and theatre, you won’t be disappointed. November 6th-9th; leavesfestival.ie
Kildare | Ta Tum Tum!
This interactive live music performance is designed for people of all ages to explore Brazilian culture, introducing participants to various Brazilian rhythms such as bossa nova, samba, forró, frevo and capoeira. In addition to the rhythmic exploration that highlights body awareness, Ta Tum Tum! incorporates storytelling inspired by fascinating Brazilian folklore. November 9th; intokildare.ie
Longford | Dead of Night Festival
Longford’s annual Dead of Night Festival returns bigger and better than ever this year, with more Halloween events for all the family to enjoy. While the full programme for 2024 is yet to be announced, previous highlights from this festival include Monster Mayhem at Longford Library, full of spooky storytelling, a thrilling Haunted House experience and a Halloween arts and crafts tent for family activities including decorating pumpkins and scary mask making. Halloween week; longfordcoco.ie
Offaly | Hullabaloo Festival
Now in its 18th year, this annual Offaly fixture brings great excitement throughout the county, with events taking place in Birr, Clara, Edenderry and Tullamore. The Hullabaloo focus is on programming engaging and stimulating arts events for children from 3 to 12 years old and their families. Look out for hand puppet shows, dance workshops, painting classes and more. October 30th–November 2nd; hullabaloofestival.ie
MUNSTER
Cork | Cork Jazz Festival
Sound the trumpets, as Cork Jazz is back this October! Now in its 46th year, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is world-renowned, with big names such as Damon Albarn, Macy Gray, and De La Soul involved in previous lineups. This year, meanwhile, headliners include Gregory Porter and Kamasi Washington. If you’re lucky in snapping up tickets, you can still catch a number of great free events–keep an eye out for brass bands marching through the city streets and various pop-up events throughout the Bank Holiday weekend. October 24th-28th; guinnesscorkjazz.com
Kerry | Dingle Food Festival
Set in the charming fishing town of Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula along the Wild Atlantic Way, paying a visit to this festival guarantees a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Explore the best pubs, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and shops throughout the town as you embark on Dingle’s Taste Trail, a delightful journey through the town’s vibrant culinary scene. There will also be a selection of mouthwatering street markets as well as masterclasses on everything from sourdough making to wine and cheese pairing. October 4th-6th; dinglefood.com
Waterford | Imagine Arts Festival
Showcasing the huge range of talent in the Déise, covering everything from art to theatre, to literature, to music and dance, this festival brings together a stellar lineup of multi-disciplinary creatives. Now in its 23rd year, the festival’s theme for 2024 is Collaborations and Partnerships. October 22nd-27th; imagineartsfestival.com
Limerick | Joyce Brothers Music Festival
This weekend of music, song, history and workshops celebrates the legacy of Limerick brothers PW and Robert Dwyer Joyce, who were renowned for collecting and documenting Irish music and songs. Featuring music workshops, trad sessions, sean nós dancing, and walking tours, there are plenty of activities to entertain during the festival’s four-day run. October 3rd-6th; facebook.com/joycebrothersmusicfestival
Tipperary | Clonmel Applefest
An annual fixture since 2017, this festival is a feelgood celebration of Tipperary’s culture and heritage, in particular Clonmel’s unique sense of place as a centre of industry and agriculture. Each year, Applefest draws together local and national artists, crafters, food producers, performers and communities to promote Clonmel as a valued place to live and visit. Highlights include spoken word cabaret, wellness walks and story slam sessions. September 26th-29th; clonmelapplefest.ie
Clare | Burren Winterage Weekend
This festival is all about the unique farming traditions of the Burren, which locals have mastered to create many iconic products we know and love today. The festival sees food and drink producers from the Burren Ecotourism Network showcase their products, including beef, salmon, pork, oysters, cheese, breads, jams, chutneys along with Burren whiskey and gin. There will also be chef demonstrations and live music after the festival’s climactic Winterage Walk takes place. September 25th-27th; burrenwinterage.com
ULSTER
Fermanagh | Fermanagh Live Festival
The Fermanagh Live Festival returns this October with something for everyone in a jam-packed programme of music, literature and laughs by the lakes. Highlights include an Island Tales boat trip, travel writing workshop, Fermanagh Film Club and much more. October 1st-6th; flive.org.uk
Antrim | Belfast International Arts Festival
This iconic festival is returning for its 62nd year, with a programme making use of over 30 venues across the city and featuring the very best international and homegrown artists in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature and film. Highlights include performances from Iron & Wine and the European debut of the off-Broadway hit The Vanishing Elephant, as well as walking tours covering fascinating and niche areas of Belfast’s rich history. October 16th–November 23rd; belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
Tyrone | Omagh Music Festival
Travel back in time to Omagh for this fun weekend filled with music, memories, and heritage. From captivating conversations and nostalgic tunes, to a guided musical heritage tour and a special concert celebrating local legends Frankie McBride and Frank Chism — there’s something for everyone. November 1st-2nd; fermanaghomagh.com
Derry | Derry Halloween
If you fancy going all out and celebrating Halloween in style this year, there are few better places to do just that than Derry, home to Europe’s largest Halloween festival. The festival’s four-night run sees the worlds of past and present collide in a dazzling street celebration of all things spooky. Expect a captivating Carnivale Parade, freaky family fun and a breathtaking fireworks finale. October 28th-31st; derryhalloween.com
Armagh | Annaghmore Running Festival
If you’re looking for fun ways to keep active this Autumn, then this is a great place to start. Whatever your fitness level, you’re bound to find something to enjoy at Annaghmore Running Festival – with a 1k fun run, 5k, 10k, half marathon and 18-miler all being held on the day. For particularly dedicated participants, the 18-mile course is a tough hilly route with many runners use as training for the Dublin Marathon. September 28th; runningcalendar.ie
Down | Roald Dahl Day
If you’re up for a family fun day out of epic proportions, then all roads lead to Down, where you can head to The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn for a delightful afternoon tea in celebration of Roald Dahl Day. Kick back at a special screening of Matilda whilst you enjoy BFG Snozzcumber, Fantastic Mr. Fox sandwiches, Savoury James & The Giant Peach scones with Frog Spawn cream and blueberry jam, plus sweet treats like Spiker & Sponge vanilla buttercream, and Matilda’s chocolate truffle cake. September 21st-22nd; theoldinn.com
Donegal | Cranafest
This event is well-established and highly anticipated each year within the Irish paddling community, offering an exciting variety of activities, including head-to-head Kayak Cross racing on the Crana River. There are also includes plenty of opportunities for socialising and getting to know people with shared interests, such as a Saturday night party at the Lake of Shadows Hotel. October 18th-20th; govisitdonegal.com
Monaghan | Drumlin Storytelling Festival
Monaghan’s very first storytelling festival promises a weekend of enchanting tales and folklore, which you can experience the full magic of in a wide variety of historic and cultural venues around Monaghan Town. In the safe hands of storytellers such as Colin Urwin and Grace Connolly, prepare to be transported back, forward and sideways in time; to travel into other worlds; to go beneath the sea and to wherever else imagination can take you. September 19th-22nd; monaghantourism.com
Cavan | Drumlinia
This festival is returning this October for just its second year, but has already gained an impressive reputation in Irish music and media circles. The big names within the festival’s lineup speak for themselves – with Daniel O’Donnell and Frances Black among the headliners. Drumlinia’s other highlights include an Industry Day, geared towards anyone working in music, media, film, theatre, TV, radio or PR, or people trying to break into these industries. October 20th-27th; cavanarts.ie
CONNACHT
Galway | Food on the Edge
This major international symposium sees chefs and food enthusiasts from all around the world gather together in Ireland to listen, talk and debate about the future of food on our planet. Food on the Edge involves 15-minute talks from the leading lights of the food industry along with panel discussions and masterclasses. This year’s event will also feature an artisan food village that will showcase the best of Irish food produce. October 21st-22nd; foodontheedge.ie
Leitrim | Harvest Moonshine Fairy Show
Add an extra sprinkling of magic to your family days out this Autumn with this fairytale adventure on the grounds of the stunning Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway Estate. Celebrate with the Good Witch and the Pumpkin Fairies in this special interactive theatre performance, where each child will receive their very own fairy wings, wands and crown as they are encouraged to get lost in the world of imagination and join the fairy crew for an enchanting Autumn adventure. October 12th; eventbrite.ie
Roscommon | Lollipops Festival
This annual tradition in Roscommon is all about the little ones, as the local arts centre plays host to an array of fun events for families, schools, crèches and pre-schools. With everything from theatre, music, visual art exhibitions, and workshops, all designed with little audiences in mind, there really is something for everyone at the festival. Highlights of this year’s programme include an imagination playground, a puppet attack and a performance from Kyle Riley of his award-winning children’s music. October 12th-31st; roscommonartscentre.ie
Mayo | Wild Atlantic Words Festival
Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and a host of national and international authors, including Sally Rooney and Dominic Price, are all previous guests of this esteemed Castlebar literary festival. While the full lineup for 2024 is yet to be announced, expect similarly big names to take part in the festival’s programme of readings, recitals, debates and reflection along the rugged Atlantic coastline. October 7th-13th; wildatlanticwords.ie
Sligo | Sligo Live
This community-centred festival was created by local musicians and music lovers in 2005 to showcase the very best of both established and emerging talent. In the years since, Sligo Live has delighted audiences with a diverse array of both international and local acts, bringing together the very best and the renowned in folk, roots, indie and traditional musicians, as well as comedy. This year’s headliners include Dermot Kennedy and Des Bishop. October 24th-November 3rd; sligolive.ie